by bicycle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'by bicycle' is correct and fully usable in written English.
For example, you can use it to form a sentence such as: "I like to get around town by bicycle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

One farmer arrived by bicycle.

The New York Times

Locals travel by bicycle.

The Guardian - Travel

(Her sister, Margot, went separately, by bicycle).

The New York Times - Travel

Giehler had come from Brooklyn by bicycle.

The New Yorker

They got around by bicycle.

The New York Times - Sports

She originally travelled to work by bicycle.

The Guardian

He makes this journey by bicycle.

The Guardian - Books

New Zealand is a great country to witness by bicycle.

Independent

Touring by bicycle (cyclotourism) is also on the increase worldwide.

Encyclopedia Britannica

11 a.m. 6) GET SPORTY Go mansion-gawking by bicycle.

The New York Times

Some arrived by bicycle, others on a rented school bus.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by bicycle" when you want to emphasize that a bicycle is the means of transportation. For example, "She travels to work by bicycle to reduce her carbon footprint."

Common error

Avoid using "on bicycle". The correct preposition to use when referring to a bicycle as a mode of transport is "by".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by bicycle" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase of manner, modifying a verb to describe how someone or something travels. As Ludwig shows, it specifies the means of transportation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by bicycle" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe the act of traveling via bicycle. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is most frequently found in news and media, but also appears in scientific and encyclopedic contexts. While "by bicycle" is suitable for various situations, it's essential to use it correctly, avoiding common errors like using "on" instead of "by". Alternatives like "by bike" offer more informal options. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively communicate your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by bike

Shortened form of "by bicycle", suitable for informal contexts.

on a bicycle

Focuses on the means of transport rather than the action of using it.

cycling

Emphasizes the activity of riding a bicycle.

via bicycle

Highlights the bicycle as the route or method of travel.

riding a bicycle

Emphasizes the action of riding, suitable when the activity is more important than the method.

using a bicycle

Focuses on the act of utilizing a bicycle for transportation.

traveling on two wheels

More descriptive and less direct, implying bicycle travel.

pedaling

Highlights the action of pedaling as the means of propulsion.

on two wheels

General way to specify a bicycle, could also specify a motor bike.

with a bicycle

Suggests accompaniment or possession rather than the primary mode of transport.

FAQs

How can I use "by bicycle" in a sentence?

You can use "by bicycle" to indicate the mode of transportation. For example, "He prefers to commute "by bicycle" to avoid traffic."

What's a more informal way to say "by bicycle"?

A more informal and shortened version of "by bicycle" is "by bike". For example, "Let's go "by bike" to the park."

Are "by bicycle" and "on a bicycle" interchangeable?

While both phrases relate to bicycles, "by bicycle" indicates the method of travel, whereas "on a bicycle" refers to being positioned on the bicycle. For example, you travel "by bicycle", but you sit on a bicycle.

What other modes of transportation can be used with the preposition 'by'?

The preposition 'by' can be used with various modes of transportation, such as "by car", "by train", "by bus", and "by plane".